Ibanil

Indications

Ibandronic Acid is used to treat osteoporosis (thin, weak bones) in women after menopause, to reduce the risk of spine fractures. Some products combine it with Calcium and Vitamin D3, which the bones also need.

How It Works

Bone is constantly broken down and rebuilt. Ibandronic Acid is a bisphosphonate: it attaches to bone and slows down the cells that break bone down. This helps keep bone density and strength and lowers the chance of fractures.

Dosage and Administration

• Tablet, adults: 150 mg once a month, on the same date each month.
• Take it first thing in the morning after an overnight fast (at least 6 hours without food or drink, except water).
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of plain water (about 180 to 240 ml), while sitting or standing. Do not chew or suck it. Do not use mineral water, tea, coffee, milk or juice.
• Stay upright (sitting or standing) and do not eat, drink anything except plain water, or take any other medicine or supplement for at least 60 minutes.
• Combination packs with Calcium and Vitamin D3: follow the pack instructions; the calcium tablets are taken on other days, not with the Ibandronic Acid tablet.
• Injection form: given by a doctor or nurse every 3 months, as prescribed.
• If you miss a monthly dose, follow the leaflet or ask your pharmacist; never take two tablets in the same week.

Interactions

Calcium, antacids, iron, magnesium and other mineral supplements, and food or drinks other than water, stop the tablet from being absorbed; take them at least 60 minutes after Ibandronic Acid. Aspirin and NSAID painkillers such as Ibuprofen and Diclofenac can increase stomach and gullet irritation.

Contraindications

• Allergy to ibandronic acid or any ingredient of the product.
• Low blood calcium (hypocalcaemia); this must be corrected first.
• Problems of the gullet (oesophagus) that delay emptying, such as narrowing or achalasia.
• Inability to stand or sit upright for at least 60 minutes.
• Severe kidney disease (not recommended).

Side Effects

Common: heartburn, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, diarrhoea, muscle, joint or back pain, headache, rash and flu-like symptoms (mostly after the first dose). Rare but serious: irritation or ulcers of the gullet, jaw bone damage (osteonecrosis of the jaw), unusual thigh bone fractures, and eye inflammation.

Get urgent medical help if you have pain or difficulty swallowing, chest pain, new or worsening heartburn, black stools or vomiting blood, signs of a serious allergic reaction, jaw pain, swelling or loose teeth, new pain in the thigh, hip or groin, or eye pain and redness.

Pregnancy and Lactation

It is meant for women after menopause. It must not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

Low calcium and vitamin D must be corrected before starting, and you should get enough of both during treatment. Have a dental check-up before starting and keep good oral hygiene; tell your dentist you take this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems. Your doctor will review the need for treatment after several years.

Overdose

Too much may cause stomach upset, heartburn, gullet irritation and low blood calcium. Drink a full glass of milk or take an antacid to bind the medicine, stay upright, and do not make yourself vomit. Seek medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Bisphosphonate (bone resorption inhibitor).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.